Packaging manufacturers that make stock and custom food containers are tasked with protecting what goes in our bodies every day—along with medical and pharmaceutical products, food requires some of the safest, most hygienic packaging available. The perishable nature of food and the importance of keeping it protected from contamination necessitates clever, careful manufacturing, because a compromised package can tarnish the quality and the safety of what’s inside.

Why a Tight Seal Matters

Locking, airtight stock and custom food containers aren’t just useful for preventing leaks and spills—they’re critically important to avoiding unnecessary waste and contamination. About 25 percent of all food that’s purchased is eventually thrown away, and while spoilage is never completely preventable, better plastic packaging can definitely reduce that percentage.

For example, leftovers brought home from a restaurant in foam or paper packaging spoil faster than food sealed in an airtight plastic container. While restaurants may choose paper or foam as cheaper alternatives, newer and more cost-effective options in plastic stock food packaging are becoming increasingly popular—developments by packaging manufacturers have even brought the price of custom food containers down over the years. Plastic containers keep air and bacteria out, preventing early spoilage.

Safety and Hygiene

Plastic packaging manufacturers also have to be mindful of making the packaging safe, secure and hygienic enough to contain food. For example, not all types of plastics are appropriate for different types of food preparation—they may melt in the oven or microwave, or shatter too easily on impact. Sustainability is also a major concern for packaging manufacturers, as disposable plastic food containers can potentially generate a large amount of waste. By making them out of highly recyclable materials like PET, they give the food a clear, strong and airtight container without sacrificing sustainability.

The design of the container has just as big an impact on safety as the material used. For example, some custom food containers come equipped with tamper-evident security features, so consumers can see if the package has been opened before purchase. This makes it easier to protect against theft and tampering.

To learn more about these and the other unique demands of the food packaging industry, and how manufacturers meet these needs, contact Plastic Ingenuity.